Passion for Pearls: Emerging Bridal Trends

Duvall is a freelance writer, trend reporter and luxury communications consultant, specializing in the fine jewelry industry. Following more than a decade of service as the Director of Jewelry PR & Promotion for World Gold Council, Duvall established her own freelance business providing her expertise and creativity to jewelry designers worldwide who are seeking to promote their brands in the US market. She has appeared as an expert guest on QVC, Shop NBC and Jewelry Television. She was a regular contributor to InStore Magazine’s Style Counsel column and has been quoted in various fashion features in a wide variety of publications from InStyle to the Wall St Journal.

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As wedding season looms and every bride-to-be is dreaming, planning and seeking inspiration, Assael has noticed one common theme from our extended tour of New York Bridal Fashion Week. The biggest trend traipsing down the runway at many of the major shows was an unmistakable passion for pearls and pearl jewelry. Radiant luminous pearls in contemporary styles provide a magnificent glow for the big event.

Bridal trends for spring and fall feature blush and sheer fabrics, fringe and feathers, capes/capelets/bolero jackets and lots embellishments – beading, flowers, crystal or pearl studded veils. Each ultra-mod style nods gently to the past with a delightful respect for tradition while adding striking new flair and exceptional innovation.

SHEER BLUSH

“Blush is the new white,” according to the New York Times as the color of the traditional wedding gown is now getting a makeover. Also in vogue is the fascination with skin as sheer and lacey fabrics continue to dominate. These pale pink hues and playful see-through gowns are perfectly accessorized with the delicate rosy tones of Japanese Akoya pearls. Beyond Rare Angel Skin Coral also adorns the blush gowns beautifully.

EMBELLISHMENTS

Wedding gowns, capelets, veils – everything bridal these days seems to be adorned with embellishments. Romance is vibrant and enduring with embroidered flowers on the veil or crystal studded designs in the bodice. The solid sheen and feminine hue of pearls offsets these intricate looks with elegance and grace. For the more heavily embellished gowns, baroque pearls offer an organic complement while bold cuff bracelets anchor the patterns in the lush embroidered fabrics.

FRINGE & FEATHERS

This year brides will be creating a stunning sensation as they walk down the aisle, more so than ever before as their gowns are bedecked with fringe or feathers that gently sway with the bride’s every move. The whimsical fairytale texture of feathers needs the solidity and smoothness of pearls for adornment, as the light and the heavy work together to pull off a dreamy, romantic look. Fringed wedding gowns are fun and flirty, reminiscent of the Art Deco flapper. Complement the movement of the fringe with multi-strand pearl necklaces or swaying pearl drop earrings.

CAPES/CAPELETS/BOLEROS

Spring 2018 will be the season of the capelet! Featured in various bridal fashion runway shows, the cape, capelet or bolero jacket is a modest adornment for the ceremony which can be easily removed for the reception. Many of these pieces are heavily adorned with intricate pearls, crystals, beading, etc. Simple white pearls are best for accessories. Akoya strands or baroque drops earrings work well.